Paludarium seeking new inhabitants, inquire within.

[plantedpug]

I am in the midst of a paludarium build which is approximately 40% land and 60% water, using an Exo-Terra medium wide (23x18x18). I had intended to house a salamander, however, I do not believe that the aquarium is suited to such inhabitants. I would guess that the aquarium would hold approximately 9-10 gallons of water, 6-7 of which would be useable by the newts. I am looking to purchase a single pair or breeding trio, sometime from now until the spring of 2015. By then the paludarium will be fully planted and cycled. Due to the size of the tank, I am looking for a small species however, I will upgrade the aquarium to a larger volume set-up if the need arises. The paludarium will be LED lit and the humidity should be maintained around 75-85% with internal ventilation.

There will be a slight to moderate current in the water portion, so many pond species are out of the equation depending on the severity of the current. It should not be strong, as I have tested the pump, however, vivaria building has a way of throwing curve balls. I have kept reptiles and aquariums in the past, but this will be my first caudata husbandry as I venture into the planted vivaria hobby. I would like to begin my journey as a keeper with a species that poses some challenge, I do wish to encourage my newts to breed and I wish to further a species by doing so. I will most likely keep my newts in this small enclosure until I can establish a 40 gal display planted aquarium in about 6 months or so.

Any species which requires year long reduced temperatures would be a poor choice for my situation (Ichthyosaura alpestris) however, as I wish to house the newts alongside of terrarium plants which would not care for 50F temperatures! I am willing, however, to cool my newts in the winter, that is not a problem what-so-ever.

I have a few species in mind, but what species would you suggest for me?

Here are a few photos of the (unfinished, unplanted, naked) paludarium, for your consideration. Please ignore the rock formation, it is setting silicone. Planting medium is Fluval Stratum, which will be covered with a fine grade sand, and the black land section is filled with NEHERP LDL media to act as additional filtration.

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[Asevernnnn]

Most species of newts are either aquatic requiring only a piece of floating cork bark or terrestrial only requiring a water bowl.
10 gallons of water is considered the bare minimum to keep the water quality at stable levels and not all over the place.
And most caudates prefer a longer tank than a taller one, which is why tanks with doors are usually not used often, unless its a long one for terrestrial salamanders and some other stuff.
Personally I would only recommend some species of frogs/toads, maybe some Firebelly Toads? But water quality would be an issue with anything that creates waste.

 

[plantedpug]

Most species of newts are either aquatic requiring only a piece of floating cork bark or terrestrial only requiring a water bowl.
10 gallons of water is considered the bare minimum to keep the water quality at stable levels and not all over the place.
And most caudates prefer a longer tank than a taller one, which is why tanks with doors are usually not used often, unless its a long one for terrestrial salamanders and some other stuff.
Personally I would only recommend some species of frogs/toads, maybe some Firebelly Toads? But water quality would be an issue with anything that creates waste.

The filtration system I am using in addition to the live aquatic plants should be able to handle the ammonia and nitrogen load produced by a pair of small aquatic invertebrates, pending the useable water space is sufficient for the species, be they small frogs or newts. 40% of the water source is delegated as filter media storage, and the media is of high quality (NEHERP LDL). Not to mention the tank will be planted, and completely cycled before the introduction of the fauna and regular water changes will be conducted. However, I have a 20L as a backup/plant growth tank, and will be constructing a 40 gal which will house the breeders sometime next year. I promise I have my bases covered pending this paludarium ends up having nitrite or ammonia issues.

This paludarium is basically a 7 gallon aquarium with enough filter media and water movement to maintain a 30 gallon aquarium.

 

[Asevernnnn]

Still, most newts you find will either only need a small piece of floating cork bark for land, or will only need a small water bowl. There really aren't any semi-aquatic newts. T. yangi have been known to use both, but they're larger newts and would require more space, and most if not all you find for sale are going to be wild caught.

 

[plantedpug]

Still, most newts you find will either only need a small piece of floating cork bark for land, or will only need a small water bowl. There really aren't any semi-aquatic newts. T. yangi have been known to use both, but they're larger newts and would require more space, and most if not all you find for sale are going to be wild caught.

I am not particularity looking for semi-aquatic newts. I am looking for a pair of newts to inhabit the water portion of the paludarium.

 

[Asevernnnn]

I am not particularity looking for semi-aquatic newts. I am looking for a pair of newts to inhabit the water portion of the paludarium.

Then what is the point of having the land? It seems like a waste of space if its just there to look good. And again, 10 gallons is considered the Bare-Minimum, usually the only exceptions are for larvae tanks and temporary tanks that get most of their water changed daily.

 

[Chinadog]

It's going to look lovely, I'm sure, but Aaron's right, almost all newts are either fully aquatic or seasonally aquatic. They really need a minimum ten gallon aquarium or a terrarium to do best. Depending on species, either the land or water will be wasted for most of the year.
I know it's possible for an dialled in, experienced fishkeeper to maintain a very small tank at the correct temperature and chemistry, but newts aren't like fish, they can vote with their feet, if they're stressed for any reason they will refuse to feed or get wet and slowly waste away while constantly trying to escape.

 

[plantedpug]

Then what is the point of having the land? It seems like a waste of space if its just there to look good. And again, 10 gallons is considered the Bare-Minimum, usually the only exceptions are for larvae tanks and temporary tanks that get most of their water changed daily.

The paludarium is intended to be a display within my home.

It's going to look lovely, I'm sure, but Aaron's right, almost all newts are either fully aquatic or seasonally aquatic. They really need a minimum ten gallon aquarium or a terrarium to do best. Depending on species, either the land or water will be wasted for most of the year.
I know it's possible for an dialled in, experienced fishkeeper to maintain a very small tank at the correct temperature and chemistry, but newts aren't like fish, they can vote with their feet, if they're stressed for any reason they will refuse to feed or get wet and slowly waste away while constantly trying to escape.

Thank you for the advice. I will take it into account.

 

[Azhael]

These types of paludariums are extremely appealing and can be made to look gorgeous, but they are at best not practical and at worst very inadequate for any newt species. In a volume as small as the one you have, i'm afraid there is no way to make it not be inadequate.
I understand you want it to be a display, and i'm sure it will be lovely, but you should look into other types of inhabitants. Sacrificing the well-being of the animals for the aesthetic value of the display is irresponsible.